793.94/4039: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Forbes) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 7—12:10 p.m.]
50. This morning Japanese Admiral Toyoda visited me, as he expressed it “non-officially”, and explained at length the events leading up to the Shanghai incident. He described the present situation as going from bad to worse. He stated that the first attack on the night of the 28th was wholly unexpected. The Japanese marines were proceeding peaceably to take up the position allotted by the Defense Committee for guarding their nationals. The Chinese police of the Chapei district to the number of 2,000 had deserted that afternoon leaving it unguarded—an indication that they had prior knowledge that trouble was expected.
Asked whether the Chinese attack was ordered from Nanking, he said positively he believed not.
I then asked if they had any information as to whether the order was given by Chinese generals, or was a chance order by a subordinate. He said they had none, but that, without any proof, they strongly suspected that there was a strong Red element in the Chinese armies and that this was done deliberately in the expectation of bringing about a war between China and Japan.
He stated that two armistices were concluded on ensuing days, both of which, he claimed, had been broken by the Chinese, which lends color to the above idea. He stated that the troops are mostly Cantonese and not under the control of Chiang. He admitted, and expressed regret for, atrocities committed by Japanese lawless element among the civilian population, described as gangsters. These elements were being returned to Japan.
He reiterated the information forwarded in my telegram No. 39, February 4, 10 p.m.,81 to the effect that the Japanese land troops now proceeding to Shanghai were under orders to act as much on the defensive as possible and not to extend their lines, although they might be compelled to attack positions that were throwing shells or menacing their [the?] Settlement.
He stated the Woosung forts were not yet occupied; and that, while not absolutely certain of the plan, he believed that if unobstructed passage of the river were permitted troops would go directly to the Settlement and land there; otherwise they might have to land and clear the river bank, both sides of which were lined in places with trenches and snipers.
[Page 251]He also repeated that these troops were for relief reinforcements of existing exhausted forces of marines.
Admiral Nomura is expected to arrive today, and it is hoped he will take immediate steps to put plan outlined in my telegram No. 47, February 6, 7 p.m.,82 into effect.
A civilian informant states that the rural population are strongly national and supporters of the Government program of force, and he predicts a change in attitude after election.